Episode Seven
Don Emilio's urgent voice crackled through the phone, "Ethan, the police are closing in on the mansion. I need your expertise to contain this situation. I'll explain everything when the time is right."
Ethan's eyes narrowed, "But, Don Emilio, Mrs. Calotte is—"
"Don't let her interfere, Ethan," Don Emilio interrupted. "Lock her up if necessary. We can't afford to have her compromising our position."
The line went dead, and Ethan's gaze shifted to the approaching FBI vehicles. Two black SUVs screeched to a halt before the mansion's entrance.
A tall, imposing figure emerged from the lead vehicle, his eyes fixed intently on Ethan. "You must be Ethan."
Ethan's breathing quickened as he replied, "What do you want?"
The agent, Sergeant Eddie, flashed his badge. "The federal Deputy Governor has filed a complaint regarding the escalating societal crisis, citing power struggles and innocent civilians being drawn into the conflict."
Ethan's eyes widened as Sergeant Eddie continued, "We have a warrant for your arrest."
The sergeant produced a document, and Ethan's gaze darted toward the paper. Suddenly, a shot rang out, and Sergeant Eddie crumpled to the ground, a bullet wound to his forehead.
The second agent swung his gun toward Ethan, shouting, "Hold it right there!"
Ethan's instincts kicked in, and he disarmed the agent, engaging him in a fierce hand-to-hand combat. Seizing the opportunity, Ethan grabbed the agent's gun and neutralized him.
Without hesitation, Ethan sprinted toward his Mercedes Benz and sped away from the mansion. A convoy of FBI vehicles gave chase, but Ethan's skilled driving allowed him to evade his pursuers, eventually losing them in the maze of city streets.
Ethan's tires screeched as he pulled into his garage in Chinatown, the dim fluorescent lights overhead casting an eerie glow. He slammed the door shut, his chest heaving with anger and betrayal. Grabbing his phone, he dialed Don Emilio's number, his voice low and menacing.
"Hello, Don Emilio."
"Ethan, good to hear from you. What's—"
"You set me up!" Ethan's words cut through the line like a razor. "What have I done wrong? Since I joined this family, I've been treated like a stranger, never allowed to question the inner workings."
Don Emilio's voice was laced with urgency. "Ethan, I swear on my life, I didn't call the cops. If I had, wouldn't that implicate me directly? I suspect a traitor within our ranks, silently betraying us."
Ethan's anger slowly gave way to doubt. "I'm sorry, Don Emilio. I must have lost my head."
"We'll face that Deputy Governor soon," Don Emilio vowed. "He's becoming a threat to our organization. I won't let his political regime tarnish our endeavors."
"I'll cover you," Ethan promised, his mind racing with strategies.
As Ethan ended the call, he walked into his duplex, the soft glow of the city lights casting a golden hue on the sleek, modern furniture. He moved with a newfound sense of purpose, his eyes locked on the cityscape beyond the windows.
Ramsey's Hotel
Night,
Cindy's scream pierced the air as the hitman crumpled to the ground. Edward's eyes widened in shock, his face pale. "Who...who saved my life?" His gaze shifted to a man standing nearby, a look of gratitude etched on his face.
"Waldo?" Edward's voice trembled.
Waldo's expression was grim. "Edward, take Cindy to the back. Use the third-floor exit. My men and I will cover you."
As Waldo continued to exchange gunfire with the Joseans hitmen, Edward swiftly carried Cindy toward the elevator. They burst through the doors on the third floor, where two more hitmen awaited. Edward's gun flashed in the dim light, and the hitmen crumpled to the ground.
"Go, go, go!" a voice echoed through the hallway.
Edward and Cindy sprinted toward the exit, the sound of sirens growing louder. A helicopter thundered above, its searchlight casting an intense beam on the parking lot.
"This is the Virginia Police Department. Everyone, stay where you are!" a voice boomed through a megaphone.
Edward and Cindy dodged the police, commandeering a car to make their escape. As they sped away from the hospital, the city lights blurred together.